Chapter 10
496words
We were divorced. It was done.
When he saw me, he rushed forward, pulling me into an unwanted embrace:
"Baby, I finally found you! God, I've missed you so much!"
"I was wrong—I'm so sorry! I swear Charlotte's out of my life for good!"
His grip was so tight I could barely breathe.
"Let go of me, Spencer. We're divorced!"
My words hit him like a slap. He released me, his eyes suddenly wet.
"You promised to love me forever! How could you be so cold as to divorce me?"
I shoved him back, creating distance between us.
"That promise assumed you wouldn't cheat. You broke your vows first, Spencer."
"We're divorced. There's no reason for us to ever see each other again. Go home."
I turned to leave, but his hand clamped around my wrist.
"You still love me—I know you do! You're just making me work for it!"
"Baby, please—I know I screwed up! Let's start fresh, build a new life together!"
I laughed bitterly and wrenched my arm free.
"Are you deaf? We're divorced. We're nothing to each other anymore!"
"Keep this up, and I'm calling the police!"
Spencer dropped to his knees, clutching at my legs.
"I've lost everything! I can't lose you too!"
"Charlotte had me under some kind of spell! I see clearly now—please, just one more chance!"
"I can make good money here with my skills! I'll give you every cent I earn—just take me back!"
His pathetic display only disgusted me. I tried to push him away, but he clung like a leech.
Just then, I spotted my sister approaching with her guardian.
They were picking me up for dinner at a new restaurant we'd been excited to try.
Seeing Spencer on his knees clutching me, the young man rushed forward and kicked him aside.
"You must be Sinclair. Back off now, or you'll regret it!"
Spencer wiped blood from his lip and snarled:
"So this is why you won't come back? Shacking up with this pretty boy already?"
I laughed, incredulous at his audacity.
"You're talking about shame? That's rich!"
"He saved my sister's life, you pathetic excuse for a man!"
Only then did Spencer notice my sister walking toward us. His face went slack with shock.
"Surprised to see me alive?" she called out.
"Let me make this clear—as long as I'm breathing, you'll never get near my sister again!"
He gave a defeated chuckle:
"I made terrible mistakes. She'll never forgive me."
Spencer rose slowly, gave me one last lingering look, and walked away with slumped shoulders.
I knew him well enough to know this was truly the end.
My sister took my hand, leading me toward their waiting car:
"Come on, sis! Let's celebrate the official start of your freedom!"
I nodded firmly.
Life goes on, and I was ready to stride forward.
A better life was waiting just around the corner.
